Milwaukee Avenue bridge repairs begin April 9

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs to the bridge carrying Milwaukee Avenue (Illinois 21) over Dempster Street (U.S. 14), in Niles, will begin, weather permitting, Wednesday, April 9.

The work will be carried out in two stages. Milwaukee Avenue initially will be reduced to one lane in each direction approaching the bridge. This configuration is expected to remain in place for approximately two months. Throughout construction, left turns from Milwaukee Avenue and from Dempster Street will be prohibited. During that time, motorists should follow the posted detour. Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained throughout construction.

The $1.7 million project, which consists of repairing the bridge deck, replacing expansion joints and installing a new deck overlay, is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year.

The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Alternative routes are encouraged. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Five of Rebuild Illinois include approximately $16 billion of improvements statewide on 6,541 miles of highway, 686 bridges and 986 additional safety improvements.

For more information on IDOT projects, click here. Find traffic and road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

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